Service fee count as the tip?

No

Yeah that's a yes to your title question but a no to your question in the post. I used to waitress and that's a service charge so yeah our tip!

@Amy: That's what I'm thinking. It's the onsite catering; they would charge me $600 plus a 20% service fee if I get outside catering, so I decided to use their catering. But honestly, they're pretty pricey. I'm doing a BRUNCH reception for 50 people, and totally didn't expect to spend this much for catering.

I've heard it depends on the venue, you should probably ask. But I agree with Amy A. I probably won't tip on top of our service fee.

You need to ask your venue. Service fees are NOT tips--this means that the waitstaff does NOT get that money. Service fees go directly to the catering company, usually to pay overhead & salaries or hourly wages for people like the managers, cooks, dishwashers, and the wages for the waitstaff. But waitstaff & bartenders at most place get paid minimum wage and rely on tips. Tips will usually be designated "gratuity" on the bill.

You can give the tip directly to the waitstaff--either in one envelope to the head waiter (you can tell him or her to divide it up, and make sure another waiter hears you) or to each waiter/bartender individually. I know catering companies really feel like they're getting so much money, but trust me that money is not going to the waitstaff. You can definitely ask for a breakdown of charges and how much goes directly to the waitstaff if you're concerned.

I think it would count as a tip. I did banquet serving in college and we never got cash tips, it was added to our check.

My particular venue said service fee is not tip. If I wanted to tip service staff, I would have to do that separately. Ask your venue!

I used to cater for a couple of different companies. Unless specified as being such, a service fee is NOT a tip. It goes straight to the company. (Catering companies definitely are aware of the misleading terminology, and cash in accordingly.)

I remember working an event where the guests were discussing whether or not to leave a tip, as they had enjoyed the service. They decided not to, because they thought the service fee was our tip. :-(

That said, in my experience, the hourly rate for caterers is a couple of dollars better than minimum wage. (I was paid $10-$12 per hour, depending on the catering company.) However, please keep in mind that caterers may be driving great distances in their own cars to your event. They are setting up, serving, bussing, and cleaning up. The work is far more demanding than most restaurant work because you are made to do everything. In general, caterers make less money than restaurant servers.

Please keep these things in mind

A service fee to me sounds like, and correct me if I'm wrong, is the fee for actually working and doing the service. What they quote you is for food, linen and whatever else they provide. Like someone said, it goes to paying the staff.

Tipping is optional I guess, but I always tip! Whether it's an event or at a restaurant. I know when I was a waitress in school, those tips went a long way! Tip the waitstaff, it will be much appreciated, regardless of how much you paid! That money goes toward the food youe guests are eating!

Look at the contract. I worked at a hotel where the service fee was the tip so it really depends on the caterer.

I agree with Lori and Miriam. Service fees generally go to set up costs and paying works their salary (not their tips). Ask your venue. Like others said, tipping is always optional but I think it's important to do if you receive good service.

Ask your venue. Usually the service fee is used to pay their salaries and other expenses but it's not their tip. If the staff rocks, tip them. Ideally, personally so you know it gets to them.

I agree that it's misleading and that wording often leads to staff getting paid less than the clients think.